Smile Like You Mean It
The Killers(殺手樂團) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Change your ways while you're young
Boy, one day you'll be a man
Oh girl, he'll help you understand
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it
Looking back at sunsets on the East side
We lost track of the time
Dreams aren't what they used to be
Some things sat by so carelessly
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it
And someone is calling my name
From the back of the restaurant
And someone is playing a game
In the house that I grew up in
And someone will drive her around
Down the same streets that I did
On the same streets that I did
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it
Oh no, oh no no no
Oh no, oh no no no
The lyrics of The Killers' song "Smile Like You Mean It" urge listeners to seize the day, make positive changes and smile confidently while doing it. The song evokes nostalgia for the past, possibly describing memories of the songwriter's own youth, and how important it is to be present and happy in the moment. The opening lines "Save some face, you know you've only got one, Change your ways while you're young, Boy, one day you'll be a man, Oh girl, he'll help you understand" serve as a warning to those who are focused on their image and want to avoid regrets later in life. The lyrics encourage listeners to take control of their lives and make positive changes while they still can.
The second verse describes looking at sunsets on the East side and losing track of time, reminiscing on how things can change over time. The lyrics "Dreams aren't what they used to be, Some things sat by so carelessly" suggest a longing for the past and the realization that not everything can last forever. The final verse seems to describe the feelings of being haunted by memories and striving to move forward, but also recognizing the past will always be a part of you. The lyrics, "And someone is calling my name From the back of the restaurant, And someone is playing a game In the house that I grew up in And someone will drive her around Down the same streets that I did On the same streets that I did" repeat, emphasizing the lingering memories of youth and the places that shaped us.
Overall, "Smile Like You Mean It" is a song that encourages listeners to live in the present and seize opportunities to make positive changes, all while acknowledging the importance of past experiences that shape who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
Save some face, you know you've only got one
Be careful with your actions because your reputation is important and once it's lost, it's difficult to regain.
Change your ways while you're young
It's easier to change bad habits and behaviors earlier in life rather than trying to change them later on.
Boy, one day you'll be a man
You will grow up and mature, and look back on this time in your life with a different perspective.
Oh girl, he'll help you understand
There will be someone who will help guide you and explain things to you when you need it.
Smile like you mean it
Put on a genuine smile, even if you aren't feeling your best, because it can make a difference in how others perceive you.
Looking back at sunsets on the East side
Reflecting on nostalgic memories from a certain time or place.
We lost track of the time
Getting so caught up in the moment that you forget about everything else around you.
Dreams aren't what they used to be
As we grow older, we may lose sight of our childhood dreams and they may not be as important to us anymore.
Some things sat by so carelessly
We sometimes take important things or people in our lives for granted and don't appreciate them fully until they're gone.
And someone is calling my name
Feeling a sense of familiarity and being recognized by someone else.
From the back of the restaurant
The setting for this moment is a casual, everyday place that holds a special meaning or memory for the singer.
And someone is playing a game
Others around the artist are living their own lives and engaged in their own activities, creating a sense of separation or detachment.
In the house that I grew up in
Nostalgia and reminiscing on memories from the past, particularly a childhood home.
And someone will drive her around
Someone else will take the singer's place and continue on in their journey or path.
Down the same streets that I did
The new person will follow in the singer's footsteps, but they will create their own unique experiences and memories along the way.
Oh no, oh no no no
A sense of worry, anxiety, or fear, possibly related to the passing of time and the uncertainty of what's to come.
Oh no, oh no no no
Reinforcing the worry and uncertainty of the previous line.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRANDON FLOWERS, DAVE BRENT KEUNING, MARK AUGUST STOERMER, RONNIE JR. VANNUCCI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@peytondoesthings
I absolutely love this song.
I’m a 15 year old with a love for music, and this song has been one of my favorites because this song isn’t that metaphorical, although metaphorical songs can be fun to look at through a different lens. It’s just about a man telling his past self to enjoy growing up. That makes me realize why I need this song. I need to tell sixth grade me that everything is okay. People are gonna be there for you through good times and bad.
Now, as I go into high school while passing with flying colors, I need to remind myself of this song every once in a while just to make sure that I smile like I mean it and go through life always expecting the good in everything. I need this change in my life, and this song is the perfect soundtrack to it all.
Update: There’s almost two weeks left until I’m done with my summer break. I’m nervous but excited at the same time, and I just hope my first day goes well.
Edit: I’m a sophomore now. Everything’s going great, and I hope I have the best year I could ever ask for.
@aweha
Hot Fuss was without a doubt one of the best albums of the 00s.
@rabbit0664
Agreed hands down
@zehrasufian
Greatest debut of all time, hand in hand with Is This It
@alvaroa.4334
@@zehrasufian definitely maybe?
@mandelbomb99
Hands down. It’s a shame the best known song on the album is Mr. Brightside
@BenScho-nt3dr
@@zehrasufian Whatever People Say I Am is the best
@MothmanBaddie
The lyrics, “and someone is playing a game in the house that I grew up in... and someone will drive her around the same streets that I did..” damn. Hurts me a little more every time, man. Excellent song.
@RicardoR5
As someone who agreed to breakup still loving the girl of my life, due to very fucked up motives, and knowing she moved foward and is with another man now, this fucking lyrics hurt like a dagger straight to the heart
@aadarsha1487
@@RicardoR5 havent moved on yet have you dude its been the same for me just cant move on while she already has
@ricardorodrigues3508
@@aadarsha1487 no I didn't, i have tried, I was with other girls, but i find myself thinking of her and the very good moments we spent togheter, i know it's stupid and the logical thing is to move foward, and yet i just can't forget her.. Funny thing she once called me while i was spending the weekend with some girl i dated, she asked "are you with someone, i hear her laughing?" and i replied "yes I am, i'm trying to forget and its hard, I wish things were diffrent" she replied "me too..." a awkward silence between us followed that words, then we wished he best for each other and that was the last time i spoke to her... I imagined the night we broke up in so many diffrent ways i lost count, so many diffrent things I wish i had done, maybe we could still be togheter, idk...
Anyway, i wish you find hapiness bro, with someone who makes you complete.